BALLOON AIRSHIP JUNE 1996 FLIGHT STANDARDS SERVICE

FAA-S-8081-17 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration PRIVATE PILOT Practical Test Standards for LIGHTER-THAN-AIR BALLOON AIRSHIP JUNE 1996 FLIGHT STANDARDS SERVICE Washington, DC 20591

PRIVATE PILOT LIGHTER-THAN-AIR Practical Test Standards 1996 FLIGHT STANDARDS SERVICE Washington, DC 20591

NOTE Material in FAA-S-8081-17 will be effective June 1, 1996. All previous editions of the Private Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Balloon and Airship) Practical Test Standards will be obsolete as of this date.

FOREWORD The Private Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Ballon and Airship) Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for private pilot certification practical tests for the lighter-than-air category, balloon and airship classes. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Flight instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for the practical test. William J. White Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...iii PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS CONCEPT...iv PRIVATE PILOT LIGHTER-THAN-AIR PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS BOOK DESCRIPTION...iv PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS DESCRIPTION...iv USE OF THE PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS BOOK...vi PRIVATE PILOT LIGHTER-THAN-AIR PRACTICAL TEST PREREQUISITES...vii AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE PRACTICAL TEST...vii METRIC CONVERSION INITIATIVE...viii POSITIVE EXCHANGE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS... viii USE OF DISTRACTIONS DURING PRACTICAL TESTS...viii APPLICANT S USE OF CHECKLISTS...viii CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (CRM)...ix MANUFACTURER S RECOMMENDATION...ix SPECIFIED BY THE EXAMINER...ix FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITY...ix EXAMINER RESPONSIBILITY... x SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE... x UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE... x SECTION 1: PRIVATE PILOT LIGHTER-THAN-AIR BALLOON CONTENTS... 1-i APPLICANT S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST (BALLOON).1-iii EXAMINER S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST (BALLOON).. 1-v AREAS OF OPERATION: I. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION... 1-1 II. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES... 1-5 III. AIRPORT OPERATIONS... 1-8 IV. LAUNCHES AND LANDINGS... 1-9 V. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS... 1-11 VI. NAVIGATION... 1-14 VII. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS... 1-15 VIII. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES... 1-17 1 FAA-S-8081-17

SECTION 2: PRIVATE PILOT LIGHTER-THAN-AIR AIRSHIP CONTENTS... 2-i APPLICANT S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST (AIRSHIP)...2-iii EXAMINER S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST (AIRSHIP)... 2-v AREAS OF OPERATION: I. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION... 2-1 II. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES... 2-6 III. AIRPORT OPERATIONS... 2-9 IV. TAKEOFFS, LANDINGS, AND GO-AROUND... 2-11 V. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS... 2-14 VI. GROUND REFERENCE MANEUVERS... 2-16 VII. NAVIGATION... 2-17 VIII. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS... 2-19 IX. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES... 2-21 FAA-S-8081-17 2

INTRODUCTION The Flight Standards Service of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed this practical test book as a standard to be used by FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners when conducting private pilot lighter-than-air (balloon and airship) practical tests. Flight instructors are expected to use this book when preparing applicants for practical tests. Applicants should be familiar with this book and refer to these standards during their training. Information considered directive in nature is described in this practical test book in terms such as shall and must indicating the actions are mandatory. Guidance information is described in terms such as should and may indicating the actions are desirable or permissive but not mandatory. The FAA gratefully acknowledges the valuable assistance provided by the many individuals and organizations who contributed their time and talent in assisting with the revision of these practical test standards. This practical test standard may be accessed through the FedWorld Information System. It may also be accessed via the Internet using the following addresses: Telenet access via Internet: fedworld.gov FTP site access access via Internet: ftp://ftp.fedworld.gov/pub/faa World Wide Web: http://www.fedworld.gov This publication may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Comments regarding this publication should be sent to: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards Service Operations Support Branch, AFS-630 P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125 1 FAA-S-8081-17

PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS CONCEPT Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) specifies the areas in which knowledge and skill must be demonstrated by the applicant before the issuance of a private pilot certificate. The CFR's provide the flexibility to permit the FAA to publish practical test standards containing specific TASKS in which pilot competency must be demonstrated. The FAA will revise this book whenever it is determined that changes are needed in the interest of safety. Adherence to the provisions of the regulations and the practical test standards is mandatory for the evaluation of private pilot applicants. PRIVATE PILOT LIGHTER-THAN-AIR PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS BOOK DESCRIPTION This test book contains the following private pilot practical test standards: Section 1 Section 2 Lighter-Than-Air, Balloon Lighter-Than-Air, Airship The Private Pilot Lighter-Than-Air Practical Test Standards include the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS for the issuance of an initial private pilot certificate and for the addition of category and/or class ratings to that certificate. PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS DESCRIPTION AREAS OF OPERATION are phases of the practical test arranged in a logical sequence. They begin with preflight preparation and end with postflight procedures. The examiner, however, may conduct the practical test in any sequence that results in a complete and efficient test. The roman numerals preceding each AREA OF OPERATION relate that AREA OF OPERATION to the corresponding regulatory requirement. TASKS represent knowledge, flight procedures, and/or maneuvers appropriate to an AREA OF OPERATION. The REFERENCE identifies the publication(s) that describe(s) the TASK. Descriptions of TASKS are not included in the standards because this information can be found in the current issue of the listed reference. Publications other than those listed may be used, if their content conveys substantially the same meaning as the listed publications. FAA-S-8081-17 2

Reference list: 14 CFR part 43 Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration 14 CFR part 61 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors 14 CFR part 67 Medical Standards and Certification 14 CFR part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules NTSB Part 830 Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents and Incidents AC 00-2 Advisory Circular Checklist AC 00-6 Aviation Weather AC 00-45 Aviation Weather Services AC 61-21 Flight Training Handbook AC 61-23 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge AC 61-84 Role of Preflight Preparation AC 91-13 Cold Weather Operation of Aircraft AC 91-23 Pilot's Weight and Balance Handbook AIM Aeronautical Information Manual AFD NOTAM's Airport Facility Directory Notices to Airmen Balloon Flight Manual Airship Flight Manual Industry Related Manuals The Objective lists the important elements that must be satisfactorily performed to demonstrate competency in a TASK. The Objective includes: 1. specifically what the applicant should be able to do; 2. the conditions under which the TASK is to be performed; and 3. the minimum acceptable standards of performance. 3 FAA-S-8081-17

USE OF THE PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS BOOK The FAA requires that all private pilot practical tests be conducted in accordance with the appropriate Private Pilot Practical Test Standards and the policies set forth in this INTRODUCTION. Private pilot applicants shall be evaluated in ALL TASKS included in the AREAS OF OPERATION of the appropriate practical test standard. In preparation for the practical test, the examiner shall develop a written plan of action. The plan of action shall include all TASKS in each AREA OF OPERATION. Each TASK selected shall be evaluated in its entirety. However, if the elements in one TASK have already been evaluated in another TASK, they need not be repeated. The examiner is not required to follow the precise order in which the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS appear in this book. The examiner may change the sequence or combine TASKS with similar Objectives to meet the orderly and efficient flow of the practical test. For example, a rectangular course may be combined with an airport traffic pattern or lost procedures may be combined with radio navigation. However, the Objectives of all TASKS must be demonstrated and evaluated at some time during the practical test. The examiner's plan of action shall include the order and combination of TASKS to be demonstrated by the applicant in a manner that will result in an efficient and valid test. Examiners shall place special emphasis upon areas of aircraft operation that are most critical to flight safety. Among these areas are precise aircraft control and sound judgment in decision making. Although these areas may or may not be shown under each TASK, they are essential to flight safety and shall receive careful evaluation throughout the practical test. THE EXAMINER SHALL ALSO EMPHASIZE WAKE TURBULENCE AVOIDANCE, LOW LEVEL WIND SHEAR, IN-FLIGHT COLLISION AVOIDANCE, RUNWAY INCURSION AVOIDANCE, AND CHECKLIST USAGE. FAA-S-8081-17 4

PRIVATE PILOT LIGHTER-THAN-AIR PRACTICAL TEST PREREQUISITES An applicant for the private pilot lighter-than-air practical test is required by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations to: 1. pass the appropriate private pilot knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in which the practical test is taken; 2. obtain the applicable instruction and aeronautical experience prescribed for the private pilot certificate or training sought; 3. hold at least a current third-class medical certificate issued under 14 CFR part 67; or posses a Medical Statement declaring that they have no known physical defect which makes them unable to pilot a free balloon; 4. meet the age requirement for the issuance of the certificate or rating sought; (16 years of age for the free balloon, 17 years of age for the airship), and; 5. obtain a written statement from an appropriately certificated flight instructor certifying that the applicant has been given flight instruction in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of application. The statement shall also state that the instructor finds the applicant competent to pass the practical test and that the applicant has satisfactory knowledge of the subject area(s) in which a deficiency, if any, was indicated by the airman knowledge test report. NOTE: AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors, states that the instructor may sign the instructor s recommendation on the reverse side of FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, in lieu of the previous statement, provided all appropriate 14 CFR part 61 requirements are substantiated by reliable records. AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE PRACTICAL TEST The private pilot applicant is required by 14 CFR section 61.45 to provide an appropriate, airworthy, certificated aircraft for use during the practical test. The aircraft must be equipped for, and its operating limitations must not prohibit, the performance of all TASKS required on the test. 5 FAA-S-8081-17

METRIC CONVERSION INITIATIVE To assist the pilots in understanding and using the metric measurement system, the practical test standards refer to the metric equivalent of various altitudes throughout. The inclusion of meters is intended to familiarize pilots with its use. The metric altimeter is arranged in 10 meter increments; therefore, when converting from feet to meters, the exact conversion, being too exact for practical purposes, is rounded to the nearest 10 meter increment or even altitude as necessary. POSITIVE EXCHANGE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS During the practical test, there must always be a clear understanding of who has control of the aircraft. Prior to the flight, a briefing should be conducted that includes the procedure for the exchange of flight controls. A positive three-step process in the exchange of flight controls between pilots is a proven procedure and one that is recommended. When the examiner wishes to take the controls to allow the applicant to adjust the seat, headset, etc., he/she will say I have the flight controls. The applicant will acknowledge immediately by saying, You have the flight controls. The examiner again says, I have the flight controls. When control is returned to the applicant, follow the same procedure. A visual check is recommended to verify that the exchange has occurred. There should never be any doubt as to who is flying the aircraft. USE OF DISTRACTIONS DURING PRACTICAL TESTS Numerous studies indicate that many accidents have occurred when the pilot has been distracted during critical phases of flight. To evaluate the pilot's ability to utilize proper control technique while dividing attention both inside and/or outside the cockpit, the examiner shall cause a realistic distraction during the flight portion of the practical test to evaluate the applicant's ability to divide attention while maintaining safe flight. APPLICANT'S USE OF CHECKLISTS Throughout the practical test, the applicant is evaluated on the use of the appropriate checklist. Its proper use is dependent on the specific TASK being evaluated. The situation may be such that the use of the checklist while accomplishing the elements of the Objective would be either unsafe or impractical, especially in a single-pilot operation. In this case, a review of the checklist after the elements have been accomplished, would be appropriate. Use of the checklist must consider proper scanning and division of attention at all times. FAA-S-8081-17 6

CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (CRM) CRM...refers to the effective use of ALL available resources; human resources, hardware, and information. Human resources...includes all groups routinely working with the cockpit crew (or pilot) who are involved in decisions that are required to operate a flight safely. These groups include, dispatchers, cabin crewmembers, maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers, and weather services. CRM is not a single TASK, it is a set of knowledge and skill competencies that must be evident in all TASKS in this PTS as applied to either single pilot or a crew operation. MANUFACTURER S RECOMMENDATION The term recommended refers to the manufacturer s recommendation. If the manufacturer s recommendation is not available, the description in AC 61-21 shall be used. FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITY An appropriately rated flight instructor is responsible for training the private pilot applicant to acceptable standards in all subject matter areas, procedures, and maneuvers included in the TASKS within the appropriate private pilot practical test standard. Because of the impact of their teaching activities in developing safe, proficient pilots, flight instructors should exhibit a high level of knowledge, skill, and ability. Additionally, the flight instructor must certify that the applicant is able to perform safely as a private pilot and is competent to pass the required practical test. Throughout the applicant's training, the flight instructor is responsible for emphasizing the performance of effective visual scanning, collision avoidance, and runway incursion avoidance procedures. 7 FAA-S-8081-17

EXAMINER 1 RESPONSIBILITY The examiner conducting the practical test is responsible for determining that the applicant meets the acceptable standards of knowledge and skill of each TASK within the appropriate practical test standard. Since there is no formal division between the oral and skill portions of the practical test, this becomes an ongoing process throughout the test. To avoid unnecessary distractions, oral questioning should be used judiciously at all times, especially during the flight portion of the practical test. Examiners shall test to the greatest extent practicable the applicant's correlative abilities rather than mere rote enumeration of facts throughout the practical test. Throughout the flight portion of the practical test, the examiner shall evaluate the applicant's use of visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures. SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE Satisfactory performance to meet the requirements for certification is based on the applicant's ability to safely: 1. perform the approved AREAS OF OPERATION for the certificate or rating sought within the approved standards; 2. demonstrate mastery of the aircraft with the successful outcome of each task performed never seriously in doubt; 3. demonstrate sound judgment, aeronautical decision making, and skill competencies in CRM. UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE If, in the judgment of the examiner, the applicant does not meet the standards of performance of any TASK performed, the associated AREA OF OPERATION is failed and therefore, the practical test is failed. The examiner or applicant may discontinue the test any time after the failure of an AREA OF OPERATION makes the applicant ineligible for the certificate or rating sought. The test will be continued ONLY with the consent of the applicant. If the test is either continued or discontinued, the applicant is entitled credit for only those TASKS satisfactorily performed. However, during the retest and at the discretion of the examiner, any TASK may be re-evaluated including those previously passed. 1 The word examiner denotes either the FAA inspector or FAA designated pilot examiner who conducts the practical test. FAA-S-8081-17 8

Typical areas of unsatisfactory performance and grounds for disqualification are: 1. Any action or lack of action by the applicant that requires corrective intervention by the examiner to maintain safe flight. 2. Failure to use proper and effective visual scanning techniques to clear the area before and while performing maneuvers. 3. Consistently exceeding tolerances stated in the Objectives. 4. Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded. When a notice of disapproval is issued, the examiner will record the applicant's unsatisfactory performance in terms of AREA OF OPERATIONS and TASKS appropriate to the practical test conducted. 9 FAA-S-8081-17

SECTION 1 PRIVATE PILOT LIGHTER-THAN-AIR BALLOON Practical Test Standards 1-1 FAA-S-8081-17

CONTENTS: SECTION 1 CHECKLISTS: Applicant's Practical Test Checklist (Balloon)...1-iii Examiner's Practical Test Checklist (Balloon)...1-v AREAS OF OPERATION: I. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION A. CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS...1-1 B. WEATHER INFORMATION...1-1 C. FLIGHT PLANNING...1-2 D. NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM...1-3 E. PERFORMANCE AND LIMITATIONS...1-3 F. OPERATION OF SYSTEMS...1-4 G. AEROMEDICAL FACTORS...1-4 II. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. LAUNCH SITE SELECTION...1-5 B. CREW BRIEFING AND PREPARATION...1-5 C. LAYOUT AND ASSEMBLY...1-6 D. PREFLIGHT INSPECTION...1-6 E. INFLATION...1-7 F. BASKET/GONDOLA MANAGEMENT...1-7 G. PRE-LAUNCH CHECK...1-7 III. AIRPORT OPERATIONS RADIO COMMUNICATIONS AND ATC LIGHT SIGNALS...1-8 IV. LAUNCHES AND LANDINGS A. NORMAL LAUNCH...1-9 B. LAUNCH OVER OBSTACLE...1-9 C. APPROACH TO LANDING...1-9 D. NORMAL LANDING...1-10 E. HIGH-WIND LANDING...1-10 FAA-S-8081-7A 1-2

V. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS A. ASCENTS...1-11 B. ALTITUDE CONTROL (LEVEL FLIGHT)...1-11 C. DESCENTS...1-11 D. CONTOUR FLYING...1-12 E. OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE...1-12 F. TETHERING...1-12 G. WINTER FLYING...1-13 H. MOUNTAIN FLYING...1-13 VI. NAVIGATION NAVIGATION...1-14 VII. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS A. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONS...1-15 B. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND SURVIVAL GEAR...1-15 C. WATER LANDING...1-16 D. THERMAL FLIGHT...1-16 VIII. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. RECOVERY...1-17 B. DEFLATION AND PACKING...1-17 C. REFUELING...1-17 1-3 FAA-S-8081-17

APPLICANT'S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST (BALLOON) APPOINTMENT WITH EXAMINER: EXAMINER S NAME LOCATION DATE/TIME ACCEPTABLE AIRCRAFT Aircraft Documents: Airworthiness Certficate Registration Certificate Operating Limitations Aircraft Maintenance Records: Logbook Record of Airworthiness Inspections and AD Compliance Pilot s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved Flight Manual FCC Station License (if applicable) PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PTS Current Aeronautical Charts Computer and Plotter Flight Logs Current AIM PERSONAL RECORDS Identification - Photo/Signature ID Pilot Certificate Current and Appropriate Medical Certificate or Statement Completed FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application with Instructor s Signature AC Form 8080-2, Airman Written Test Report or Computer Test Report Pilot Logbook with Appropriate Instructor Endorsements FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval (if applicable) Approved School Graduation Certificate (if applicable) Examiner's Fee (if applicable) FAA-S-8081-7A 1-4

EXAMINER'S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST PRIVATE PILOT - LIGHTER-THAN-AIR (BALLOON) APPLICANT'S NAME LOCATION DATE/TIME I. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION A. Certificates and Documents B. Weather Information C. Flight Planning D. National Airspace System E. Performance and Limitations F. Operations of Systems G. Aeromedical Factors II. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. Launch Site Selection B. Crew Briefing and Preparation C. Layout and Assembly D. Preflight Inspection E. Inflation F. Baskett/Gondola Management G. Pre-launch Check III. AIRPORT OPERATIONS Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals IV. LAUNCHES AND LANDINGS A. Normal Launch B. Launch Over Obstacle C. Approach to Landing D. Normal Landing E. High-wind Landing 1-5 FAA-S-8081-17

V. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS A. Ascents B. Altitude control (Level Flight) C. Descents D. Contour Flying E. Obstruction Clearance F. Tethering G. Winter Flying H. Mountain Flying VI. NAVIGATION Navigation VII. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS A. Systems and Equipment Malfunctions B. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear C. Water Landing D. Thermal Flight VIII. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. Recovery B. Deflation and Packing C. Refueling FAA-S-8081-7A 1-6

I. AREA OF OPERATION: PREFLIGHT PREPARATION A. TASK: CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCES: 14 CFR parts 43, 61, 91; AC 61-21, AC 61-23; Balloon Flight Manual. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to certificates and documents by explaining the appropriate a. pilot certificate privileges and limitations. b. medical statement. c. pilot logbook or flight record, required entries. 2. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to certificates and documents by locating and explaining the a. airworthiness and registration certificates. b. operating limitations, placards, instrument markings, handbooks, and manuals. c. weight data, including the equipment list as appropriate. d. airworthiness directives and compliance records, maintenance/inspection requirements and appropriate records. B. TASK: WEATHER INFORMATION REFERENCES: AC 00-6, AC 00-45, AC 61-23, AC 61-84; AIM. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to weather information by analyzing weather reports and forecasts from various sources with emphasis on a. surface wind. b. winds aloft. c. wind shear. d. PIREP s. e. SIGMET s and AIRMET s. 1-7 FAA-S-8081-17

2. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to weather information by explaining various atmospheric conditions, and their effect on balloon flight, including a. temperature and pressure variations. b. atmospheric stability. c. cloud formations. d. thunderstorms and associated turbulence. e. thermals. f. land and sea or lake breezes. g. orographic winds. 3. Makes a competent go/no-go decision based on available weather information. C. TASK: FLIGHT PLANNING REFERENCES: AC 61-21, AC 61-23, AC 61-84; Navigation Charts; NOTAM s; Airport/Facility Directory; AIM. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to flight planning by presenting and explaining a preplanned flight of maximum duration, appropriate to the balloon used for the flight test, as previously assigned by the examiner. The final flight plan shall include real-time weather. 2. Uses appropriate, current aeronautical charts and appropriate, current local road/street maps. 3. Plots a course for the intended route of flight based on the winds aloft forecast. 4. Selects the appropriate VHF communication frequencies, if radio equipped. 5. Identifies airspace, obstructions, and terrain features. 6. Selects suitable landing areas. 7. Extracts and applies pertinent information from NOTAM s, Airport/Facility Directory, and AIM as necessary. FAA-S-8081-7A 1-8

D. TASK: NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM REFERENCES: 14 CFR part 91; Navigation Charts; AIM. Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the National Airspace System by explaining: 1. Basic VFR Weather Minimums for all classes of airspace. 2. Airspace classes their boundaries, pilot certification, and equipment requirements for the following a. Class A. b. Class B. c. Class C. d. Class D. e. Class E. f. Class G. 3. Special use airspace and other airspace areas. E. TASK: PERFORMANCE AND LIMITATIONS REFERENCES: AC 61-21, AC 61-23, AC 61-84, AC 91-23; Balloon Flight Manual. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to performance and limitations by explaining the use of appropriate data, if available from the manufacturer, to determine performance. This shall include operational characteristics and loading, and the adverse effects of exceeding limitations. 2. Computes operating weight, maximum load, and expected envelope temperature, as related to maximum envelope temperature. 3. Determines balloon performance, considering density altitude, wind, other weather related conditions, and terrain. 4. Determines normal and maximum rates of ascent and descent, and the altitude required to arrest high rates of descent. 5. Determines envelope temperatures, including never-exceed temperature and maximum continuous temperature, if appropriate. 6. Determines whether the computed performance is within the balloon s capabilities and operating limitations. 1-9 FAA-S-8081-17

F. TASK: OPERATION OF SYSTEMS Balloon Flight Manual. Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the operation of systems on the balloon provided for the practical test by explaining the following: 1. Fuel system and associated gauges. 2. Venting and/or deflation systems. 3. Flight instruments and gauges. 4. Avionics/communications system, as appropriate. G. TASK: AEROMEDICAL FACTORS REFERENCES: AC 61-21; AIM. Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to aeromedical factors by explaining: 1. The symptoms, causes, effects, and corrective actions of at least three of the following a. hypoxia. b. hyperventilation. c. middle ear and sinus problems. d. spatial disorientation. e. stress and fatigue. 2. The effects of alcohol and drugs, including over-the-counter drugs. 3. The effects of nitrogen excesses during scuba dives upon a pilot and/or passenger in flight. FAA-S-8081-7A 1-10

II. AREA OF OPERATION: PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. TASK: LAUNCH SITE SELECTION Balloon Flight Manual. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to launch site selection. 2. Arranges to launch with adequate time to complete the flight safely considering wind, weather conditions, and landing sites. 3. Selects a launch site with emphasis on a. suitable landing areas. b. airspace considerations. c. surface wind and winds aloft. d. accessibility. e. surface condition. f. size. g. hazards and obstacles in the vicinity of the site. 4. Makes a competent go/no-go decision considering all of the factors involved in the selection of a safe launch site. B. TASK: CREW BRIEFING AND PREPARATION Balloon Flight Manual. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to crew briefing and preparation. 2. Designates a crew chief, if appropriate, and assigns each crewmember specific duties and responsibilities, considering the experience level of each crewmember. 3. Briefs crewmembers in all areas of the flight, including layout and assembly; tie-off, if appropriate; inflation; in-flight; landing; recovery; and emergency procedures. 4. Establishes a common means of communication such as hand signals and/or two-way radio. 5. Describes the proposed direction of flight and the estimated time aloft. 6. Ensures that all necessary equipment is on board. 7. Supervises and coordinates all activities. 8. Completes the appropriate checklist. 1-11 FAA-S-8081-17

C. TASK: LAYOUT AND ASSEMBLY Balloon Flight Manual. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to layout and assembly. 2. Positions balloon properly, considering wind conditions and obstacles. 3. Checks fuel system for security, leaks, and correct fuel pressure. 4. Uses tie-off, if appropriate. 5. Assembles balloon as appropriate. 6. Completes the appropriate checklist. D. TASK: PREFLIGHT INSPECTION Balloon Flight Manual. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to visual inspection. This shall include which items must be inspected, the reasons for checking each item, and how to detect possible defects. 2. Inspects the balloon with reference to the checklist emphasizing the a. basket. b. fuel system. c. flight instruments. d. items. e. envelope. f. venting and/or deflation systems. 3. Verifies the balloon is in condition for safe flight. 4. Completes the appropriate checklist. FAA-S-8081-7A 1-12

E. TASK: INFLATION Balloon Flight Manual. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to inflation. 2. Accomplishes the proper tie-off procedure, if appropriate. 3. Inflates the balloon to equilibrium as appropriate. 4. Positions and secures the vent/deflation lines. 5. Completes the appropriate checklist. F. TASK: BASKET/GONDOLA MANAGEMENT Balloon Flight Manual. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to basket/gondola management procedures. 2. Ensures all loose items in the basket/gondola are secured. 3. Briefs passengers on the proper boarding, in-flight, and landing behavior and procedures. 4. Organizes material and equipment in a logical, efficient manner. 5. Utilizes all appropriate checklists. G. TASK: PRE-LAUNCH CHECK Balloon Flight Manual. 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the pre-launch check. This shall include the reasons for checking each item and how to detect malfunctions. 2. Reviews the wind conditions, temperatures, and obstructions. 3. Divides attention inside and outside the basket/gondola. 4. Performs final instrument check. 5. Ensures that the vent/deflation lines are positioned and secured properly. 6. Determines equilibrium. 7. Accomplishes the pre-launch check and confirms that the balloon is in safe operating condition. 8. Accomplishes final coordination with the ground crew, including signals and emergency procedures. 9. Assures no conflict with traffic prior to launch. 10. Completes the appropriate checklist. 1-13 FAA-S-8081-17